Chalkless pool cue tip

ABSTRACT

A pool cue tip comprises a generally cylindrical portion and a spherical cap portion that meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base. The base has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the generally cylindrical portion defines an annular lip. The pool cue tip can comprise a polymeric material. The polymeric material can have a tackiness that is greater without a layer of chalk than with a layer of chalk so that the pool cue tip can be used without chalk. A pool cue can comprise a pool cue tip including one or more of such aspects.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a pool cue tip and a pool cue comprising the same.

BACKGROUND

A pool cue stick, or cue, typically comprises a shaft, a ferrule, and a tip. The tips are conventionally felt or leather. Such tips require chalk in order to optimally grip the cue ball upon impact. However, chalk can create dust which can cause a buildup on pool tables. Further, conventional pool cue tips (e.g., leather) can wear out and become misshaped over time requiring maintenance. These and other shortcomings are overcome by the disclosure herein.

SUMMARY

Described herein are a pool cue tip and a pool cue comprising the same. According to a first aspect, a pool cue tip can include a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, an axis, and a first height. The pool cue tip can have a spherical cap portion extending a second height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion. The spherical cap portion can be axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base of the spherical cap portion. The base of the spherical cap portion can have a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a generally planar annular lip having a width that extends from the spherical cap portion to an edge of the generally cylindrical portion.

According to a second aspect, a pool cue can include a shaft, a ferrule coupled to the shaft at a first end, and a cue tip coupled to an end of the ferrule opposite the shaft. The pool cue tip can include a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, an axis, and a first height. The pool cue tip can have a spherical cap portion extending a second height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion. The spherical cap portion can be axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base of the spherical cap portion. The base of the spherical cap portion can have a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a generally planar annular lip having a width that extends from the spherical cap portion to an edge of the generally cylindrical portion.

According to a third aspect, a pool cue tip can comprise a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, and an axis. A spherical cap portion can extend from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion. The spherical cap portion can be axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meet the generally cylindrical portion at a base. The cue tip can comprise a polymeric material that has a sufficient tackiness to provide grip to a pool ball.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part, will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 a pool cue comprising a pool cue tip in accordance with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pool cue tip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pool cue tip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the pool cue tip of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of a pool cue tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the disclosed articles, systems, and methods in their best, currently known embodiments. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the articles, systems, and methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features or combining some features of one embodiment with features of another embodiment. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a surface” can include two or more such surfaces unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pool cue 100. The pool cue 100 can comprise a shaft 102 that is tapered from a butt end 104 to a tip end 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 102 is a generally frustoconical shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft 102 can comprise a first segment and a second segment. For example, the shaft 102 can be broken down into the first segment and second segment to make travelling with the pool cue 100 easier. The shaft 102 can be coupled with a ferrule 110. The shaft 102 and the ferrule 110 can be coupled via an adhesive or screw coupling. The adhesive can be any type of adhesive such as glue, super glue, rubber cement, etc. The ferrule 110 can comprise a cylindrical or frustoconical recess that receives the tip end 106 of the shaft 102. The ferrule 110 can receive the tip end 106 of the shaft 102 such that the tip end 106 is flush with the ferrule 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the ferrule 110 can have female threads that receive a threaded rod comprising male screw threads extending from the shaft 102. In another exemplary embodiment, the tip end 106 can have male screw threads etched into the shaft 102 such that the ferrule 110 is capable of being screwed on directly to the shaft 102. The ferrule 110 can comprise any material such as plastic, metal, carbon fiber, wood, etc.

A cue tip 200 can couple at an end of the ferrule 110 opposite the shaft 102. The cue tip 200 can couple to the ferrule 110 via adhesive. The adhesive can be any type of adhesive such as glue, super glue, rubber cement, etc. The cue tip 200 can be coupled directly to the ferrule 110. Alternatively, the cue tip 200 can be coupled to a layer of material that is directly coupled to the ferrule 110. For example, the ferrule 110 can be coupled with the layer of the material, such as leather, that is capable of being replaced so as to prevent the ferrule 110 from being damaged when the cue tip 200 is removed from the ferrule 110. That is, instead of the ferrule 110 possibly sustaining damage from the cue tip 200 being replaced, the layer of the material may be damaged instead. Thus, the layer of the material can protect the ferrule 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cue tip 200. As shown, the cue tip 200 can have a cylindrical portion 210. The cylindrical portion 210 can be the base of the cue tip 200. The cue tip 200 can have a spherical cap 220 that extends from the cylindrical portion 210. The cue tip 200 also has an annular lip 230. The annular lip 230 is located between an outer edge of the cylindrical portion 210 and the outer edge of the spherical cap 220.

Pool cue tips can come in various sizes. Typical sizes are a 13 millimeter diameter cue tip, a 12.5 millimeter diameter cue tip, and a 11.75 millimeter diameter cue tip. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the cue tip 200 can comprise any of the aforementioned diameters, as well as additional diameters. For example, the diameter of the cue tip 200 can be between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters. The cylindrical portion 210 can comprise the aforementioned diameters. The cylindrical portion 210 can have an axial height of about 10 millimeters for a 13 millimeter tip. In further embodiments, the cylindrical portion 210 can have an axial height of about four millimeters, about six millimeters, or about 8 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the cue tip 200 can have a cylindrical portion 210 having a diameter of approximately 13 millimeters, a total height of the cue tip 200 can be a total height of approximately 8.2 millimeters.

FIG. 3 illustrates side view of the cue tip 200. The cylindrical portion 210 of the cue tip 200 can have a height 211, a first end 212, a second end 214, a central axis 216, and a diameter 218. The diameter 218 can be 13 millimeters, 12.5 millimeters, 11.75 millimeters, or any suitable width for a pool cue tip. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the cue tip 200 can comprise any of the aforementioned diameters, as well as additional diameters. For example, the diameter 218 can be between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters. The height 211 can be approximately 1 millimeter, 2 millimeters, 3 millimeters, 4 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 8 millimeters, or any suitable height for a base of the cue tip 200. While specific examples were given for ease explanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the height 211 can comprise a height within the range of 0 millimeters to 20 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter 218 of the cue tip 200 can be 13 millimeters, and the height 211 can be 6 millimeters. It should be understood that edges of the cue tip 200 can include radii (e.g., a radius of 0.1 millimeters) and need not have sharp corners. Therefore, for example, the cylindrical portion 210 can have rounded edges at its first and second ends 212, 214.

The cue tip 200 can further comprise a spherical cap 220 centered at the axis 216 on the second end 214 of the cylindrical portion 210. The spherical cap 220 can have a base 222 (e.g., a circular area at which the spherical cap 220 meets the cylindrical portion 210) with a diameter 224 that is less than the diameter 218 of the generally cylindrical portion 210 so that the second end 214 of the cylindrical portion 210 defines an annular lip 230. The spherical cap 220 has a height 228. The height 228 can be 1 millimeter, 2 millimeters, 3 millimeters, or any suitable height for the spherical cap 220. While specific examples were given for ease explanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the height 228 can comprise a height within the range of 0.1 millimeters to 5 millimeters.

The surface of the spherical cap 220 can have a radius 226 that extends from the axis 216 to the cylindrical portion 210. The radius 226 can be dependent on the height 228 of the spherical cap 220, as well as the width 224 of the spherical cap 220. Stated differently, the radius 226 can be modified according to the height 228 of the spherical cap 220, as well as the width 224 of the spherical cap 220 such that the radius 226 can be uniform regardless of the height 228 or the width 224. Additionally, the size of the radius 226 may not be dependent on the height 228 or the width 224. In an exemplary embodiment, the radius 226 is about 9 millimeters. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the spherical cap 220 can extend axially about 2.2 millimeters from the cylindrical portion 210. In further embodiments, the radius 226 of the spherical cap 220 can be about 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 10 millimeters, or 12 millimeters. While specific examples were given for ease explanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the radius 226 can comprise be within the range of 4 millimeters to 20 millimeters. Further, while the spherical cap 220 is shown as having a smooth surface for ease of illustration, the spherical cap 220 can have textured surface. For example, the spherical cap 220 can have uniform or non-uniform texture that increase the amount of friction that can be generated between the cue tip 200 and a cue ball. As an example, the spherical cap 220 can have dimples or other surface features such that the spherical cap 220 is not perfectly smooth.

The spherical cap 220 can have a width 224 that is smaller than the diameter 218 such that the annular lip 230 can be created between the edge of the spherical cap 220 and the cylindrical base 210. The annular lip 230 can be generally planar in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 216 of the cylindrical portion 210. The annular lip 230 can be defined by a major diameter (e.g., the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210) and a minor diameter (e.g., the diameter 224 of the spherical cap 220). Thus, the annular lip 230 can have a width 232 that is defined between the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210 and the diameter 224 of the spherical cap 220. Accordingly, the width 232 of the annular lip 230 can be based on the diameter 218 and the diameter 224. The width 232 of the annular lip 230 can be 0.1 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, 1 millimeter, 2 millimeters, and so forth. While specific examples were given for ease explanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the width 232 of the annular lip 230 can comprise a width within the range of 0 millimeters to 5 millimeters.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cue tip 200 can be a 13 millimeter diameter cue tip. In this embodiment, the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210 can be about 13 millimeters, and the diameter 224 of the spherical cap 220 can be approximately 12 millimeters. Thus, the annular lip 230 can be defined within the 1 millimeter difference between the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210 and the diameter 224 of the spherical cap 220. Accordingly, the annular lip 230 can extend radially ½ millimeter from the spherical cap 220. Stated differently, the annular lip 230 can comprise 1 millimeter in width of the 13 millimeter diameter of the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210.

For various pool cue tip diameters (i.e., the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210), the diameter 224 of the base 222 can be selected in order to provide a lip having a major diameter (e.g., the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210) and a minor diameter (e.g., the diameter 224 of the spherical cap 220). Thus, the annular lip 230 can vary depending on the size of the cue tip 200. That is, the annular lip 230 can vary based on the diameter 218 of the cylindrical portion 210, and the diameter 224 of the spherical cap 220.

The annular lip 230 can reduce the negative impacts of accidental miscues. For example, a miscue occurs when the cue tip “slides off” the cue ball such that the cue tip does not make clean contact with the cue ball. This typically occurs when a pool player hits the edge of the cue ball because there is nothing preventing the pool cue from sliding off the cue ball. In prior art cue tips, the cue tips have no mechanism to reduce the impact of a miscue or to prevent a miscue. Rather, the cue tip will simply slide off the cue ball, and the pool player will be left with a poor shot. In contrast, the annular lip 230 provides a mechanism for the cue tip 200 to further catch a cue ball in the event of a miscue. Stated differently, the annular lip 230 reduces the impact of the miscue because the annular lip 230 catches the cue ball if the pool player mishits the cue ball. That is, as the cue tip impacts the cue ball, if the cue tip 200 is unintentionally misaligned with the cue ball, the annular lip 230 can catch the cue ball and propel the cue ball in a direction that is closer to a desired direction than a prior art cue tip without the annular lip. Therefore, the annular lip 230 enables the cue tip to be more forgiving than a cue tip without such an annular lip and improves the quality of the miscues. Accordingly, the annular lip 230 provides an improvement over prior art cue tips.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the cue tip 200 of FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates the spherical cap 220 on top of the cylindrical portion 210. Further, the diameter of the spherical cap 220 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 210 in order to produce the annular lip 230 with the width 232.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a cue tip 500. The cue tip 500 is similar to the cue tip 200 except that a cylindrical portion 510 has been added between the cylindrical portion 210 and the spherical cap 220. Thus, the cue tip 500 has a height 502 that is increased from the cue tip 200 by a height 504 of the cylindrical portion 510. As shown, the cylindrical portion 510 has the same diameter of the spherical cap 220, and the cylindrical portion 222 couples with the cylindrical portion 210. Further, the annular lip 230 is created based on the difference in diameter between the cylindrical portion 510 and the cylindrical portion 210. The cylindrical portion 510 can have a height 504. The height 504 of the cylindrical portion 510 can be 0.1 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, 1 millimeter, 2 millimeters, and so forth. While specific examples were given for ease explanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the height 504 of the cylindrical portion 510 can comprise a width within the range of 0 millimeters to 5 millimeters. While the cylindrical portion 510 is show as being cylindrical, the cylindrical portion 510 can also be conoidal such that the portion of the cylindrical portion 510 extends beyond the base of the spherical cap 220.

The cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can be unitarily formed via injection molding or via cast molding. The cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can comprise a polymeric material. A suitable polymeric material can include COVESTRO DESMOPAN 5377A, COVESTRO TEXIN 1209, COVESTRO DP 07-1199, or COVESTRO DO 6064. The cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can comprise a polyurethane-elastomer. In an exemplary embodiment, the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can comprise Blickle Softhane®. According to one aspect, the polymeric material can be resilient. In some embodiments, the material can have a rebound resilience of between 30% and 60% according to ISO 4662. In an exemplary embodiment, material can have a rebound resilience of 45% according to ISO 4662. The material can have a shore D durometer hardness of about 25 to about 30. According to one aspect, the material can have a shore A durometer hardness of about 60 to about 80.

One benefit of providing a polymeric cue tip with these characteristics is that the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 do not wear (e.g., break down) in the way traditional leather cue tips wear. Traditional cue tips wear down under repeated use and plastically deform to become flattened and uneven. Leather tips must, therefore, be periodically reshaped in order to provide a rounded surface curvature that is desired when playing billiards. Further, leather cue tips require chalk, as explained below, to create friction between the leather and the cue ball. Thus, leather cue tips are also worn down overtime due to the repeated application of chalk. According to an embodiment, the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can be configured for a greater lifetime than traditional leather cue tips. The combination of hardness and resiliency allow the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 to retain its original shape, thereby improving the lifetime of the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500, as well as eliminating the requirement for such routine reshaping.

According to another aspect, the polymeric material can comprise a tacky surface that grips the cue ball upon impact. Conventional cue tips require a chalk coating in order to have sufficient grip (e.g., friction) on the cue ball upon impact. Grip is necessary to prevent miscues when striking a pool ball. Further, grip allows for consistency between shots because even if the pool cue does not hit in the exact same area on the pool ball, the ball will behave in a predictable manner upon being struck. Additionally, grip is particularly important for putting “English” (e.g., a desired amount of spin) on the cue ball. In some embodiments, the un-chalked surface of the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can naturally (e.g., without chalk or another grip enhancing coating) have a tackiness that is at least as tacky as a chalked traditional leather pool cue tip, or even more tacky than a chalked leather pool cue tip. In this way, without chalk, the surface of the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can grip the surface of the cue ball to prevent slippage that would otherwise result in a miscue. Further, the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 may have a surface that is tackier when chalked as compared to a traditional leather pool cue tip to improve the grip that the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 has upon impact with a pool ball. Thus, the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 provide an improvement on the typical pool cue tip because the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 increase tackiness and grip as compared to typical pool cue tip. Accordingly, the cue tip 200 and the cue tip 500 can be configured to be used without chalk while playing billiards.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.

EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

In view of the described devices, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A pool cue tip comprising: a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, an axis, and a first height; and a spherical cap portion extending a second height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the spherical cap portion is axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base of the spherical cap portion, wherein the base of the spherical cap portion has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a generally planar annular lip having a width that extends from the spherical cap portion to an edge of the generally cylindrical portion.

Aspect 2: The pool cue tip of aspect 1, wherein the generally planar annular lip is configured to improve contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball.

Aspect 3: The pool cue tip of any of preceding aspects, wherein the generally planar annular lip is configured to provide contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball upon the spherical cap portion losing contact with the pool ball.

Aspect 4: The pool cue tip of any of preceding aspects, wherein the width is between 0 millimeters and 2 millimeters.

Aspect 5: The pool cue tip of any of preceding aspects, wherein the annular lip comprises a major diameter and a minor diameter, wherein the width comprises the distance between the major diameter and the minor diameter, and where the spherical cap defines a spherical surface that extends along the minor diameter.

Aspect 6: The pool cue tip of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the pool cue tip comprises a polymeric material.

Aspect 7: The pool cue tip of aspect 6, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: COVESTRO DESMOPAN 5377A, COVESTRO TEXIN 1209, COVESTRO DP 07-1199, or COVESTRO DO 6064.

Aspect 8: The pool cue tip of aspects 6-7, wherein the polymeric material has a shore A durometer hardness of between 60 and 80.

Aspect 9: The pool cue tip of aspects 6-8, wherein the polymeric material has a shore D durometer hardness of between 25 and 30.

Aspect 10: The pool cue tip of aspects 6-9, wherein the polymeric material has a rebound resistance between 30% and 60% according to the ISO standard 4662.

Aspect 11: A pool cue, comprising: a shaft; a ferrule coupled to the shaft at a first end; and a cue tip coupled to an end of the ferrule opposite the shaft, the cue tip comprising: a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, an axis, and a first height, and a spherical cap portion extending a second height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the spherical cap portion is axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base of the spherical cap portion, wherein the base has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a generally planar annular lip, having a major diameter and a minor diameter.

Aspect 12: The pool cue of aspect 11, wherein the generally planar annular lip is configured to improve contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball.

Aspect 13: The pool cue of aspects 11 or 12, wherein the generally planar annular lip is configured to provide contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball upon the spherical cap portion losing contact with the pool ball.

Aspect 14: The pool cue of aspects 11-13, wherein the pool cue tip comprises a polymeric material.

Aspect 15: The pool cue of aspect 14, wherein the polymeric material has a shore D durometer hardness of between 25 and 30.

Aspect 16: The pool cue of aspect 14 or 15, wherein the polymeric material has a rebound resistance of about 30% and 60% according to the ISO standard 4662.

Aspect 17: A cue tip for a pool cue, the cue tip comprising: a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, and an axis; and a spherical cap portion extending a first height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the spherical cap portion is axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base, wherein the cue tip comprises a polymeric material that has a sufficient tackiness to provide grip to a pool ball.

Aspect 18: The cue tip of aspect 17, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: COVESTRO DESMOPAN 5377A, COVESTRO TEXIN 1209, COVESTRO DP 07-1199, COVESTRO DO 6064, or Blickle Softhane.

Aspect 19: The cue tip of aspects 17 or 18, wherein the base has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a generally planar annular lip, having a major diameter and a minor diameter, that is configured to mitigate negative effects of a miscue.

Aspect 20: The cue tip of aspects 17-19, wherein the wherein the cue tip has a tackiness that is greater without a chalk coating than with a chalk coating. 

1. A pool cue tip, comprising: a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, an axis, and a first height; and a spherical cap portion extending a second height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the spherical cap portion is axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base of the spherical cap portion, wherein the base of the spherical cap portion has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a planar annular lip having a width that extends from the spherical cap portion to an edge of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the planar annular lip is substantially parallel with the generally cylindrical portion and substantially perpendicular to axis of the generally cylindrical portion, and wherein the generally cylindrical portion and the spherical cap portion are comprised of a single piece of polymeric material, and wherein the polymeric material has a shore A durometer hardness of
 60. 2. The pool cue tip of claim 1, wherein the planar annular lip is configured to improve contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball.
 3. The pool cue tip of claim 1, wherein the planar annular lip is configured to provide contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball upon the spherical cap portion losing contact with the pool ball.
 4. The pool cue tip of claim 1, wherein the width is greater than 0 millimeters and less than or equal to 2 millimeters.
 5. The pool cue tip of claim 1, wherein the planar annular lip comprises a major diameter and a minor diameter, wherein the width comprises the distance between the major diameter and the minor diameter, and wherein the spherical cap portion defines a spherical surface that extends along the minor diameter.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The pool cue tip of claim 1, wherein the polymeric material comprises an aromatic polyether-based a thermoplastic polyurethane.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The pool cue tip of claim 1, wherein the polymeric material has a shore D durometer hardness of between 25 and
 30. 10. The pool cue tip of claim 1, wherein the polymeric material has a rebound resilience between 30% and 60% according to the ISO standard
 4662. 11. A pool cue, comprising: a shaft; a ferrule coupled to the shaft at a first end; and a cue tip coupled to an end of the ferrule opposite the shaft, the cue tip comprising: a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, an axis, and a first height, and a spherical cap portion extending a second height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the spherical cap portion is axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base of the spherical cap portion, wherein the base has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a planar annular lip, having a major diameter and a minor diameter, wherein the planar annular lip is substantially parallel with the generally cylindrical portion and substantially perpendicular to axis of the generally cylindrical portion, and wherein the generally cylindrical portion and the spherical cap portion are comprised of a single piece of polymeric material, and wherein the polymeric material has a shore A durometer hardness of
 60. 12. The pool cue of claim 11, wherein the planar annular lip is configured to improve contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball.
 13. The pool cue of claim 11, wherein the planar annular lip is configured to provide contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball upon the spherical cap portion losing contact with the pool ball.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The pool cue of claim 11, wherein the polymeric material has a shore D durometer hardness of between 25 and
 30. 16. The pool cue of claim 11, wherein the polymeric material has a rebound resilience of about 30% and 60% according to the ISO standard
 4662. 17. A shaft for a pool cue comprising a cue tip, the cue tip comprising: a generally cylindrical portion having a first end, a second end, a diameter, and an axis; and a spherical cap portion extending a first height from the second end of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the spherical cap portion is axially centered about the axis of the generally cylindrical portion and meets the generally cylindrical portion at a base of the spherical cap portion, wherein the base of the spherical cap portion has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines a planar annular lip having a width that extends from the spherical cap portion to an edge of the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the planar annular lip is substantially parallel with the generally cylindrical portion and substantially perpendicular to axis of the generally cylindrical portion, and wherein the generally cylindrical portion and the spherical cap portion are comprised of a single piece of a polymeric material that has a sufficient tackiness to provide grip to a pool ball, and wherein the polymeric material has a shore A durometer hardness of
 60. 18. The shaft of claim 17, wherein the polymeric material comprises an aromatic polyether-based a thermoplastic polyurethane.
 19. The shaft of claim 17, wherein the base has the diameter that is less than the diameter of the generally cylindrical portion so that the second end of the generally cylindrical portion defines the planar annular lip, having a major diameter and a minor diameter that is configured to mitigate negative effects of a miscue.
 20. The shaft of claim 17, wherein the polymeric material comprises a tackiness that is greater without a chalk coating than a chalked leather tip.
 21. The shaft of claim 17, wherein the planar annular lip is configured to improve contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball.
 22. The shaft of claim 17, wherein the planar annular lip is configured to provide contact between the pool cue tip and a pool ball upon the spherical cap portion losing contact with the pool ball. 